The ideal Postdoc candidate should hold a PhD degree in computer
science, engineering, physics or applied mathematics, with a background
in linear algebra, statistics, optimization, signal processing, control
and programming. The Postdoc position is from one to two years. The
starting date can be discussed. Annual gross salary is 80,000 CHF. Part
time employment is possible if desired.

Interviews will start on *November 6, 2017*. Late applications will be
treated depending on whether the positions have been filled or not.

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About MEMMO:

Based on optimal-control theory, the goal of MEMMO is to develop a
unified yet tractable approach to motion generation for complex robots
with arms and legs. The approach relies on three innovative components:
1) a massive amount of pre-computed optimal motions are generated
offline and compressed into a "memory of motion"; 2) these trajectories
are recovered during execution and adapted to new situations with
real-time model predictive control, with generalization to dynamically
changing environments; and 3) available sensor modalities (vision,
inertial, haptic) are exploited for feedback control which goes beyond
the basic robot state with a focus on robust and adaptive behavior.

MEMMO is organized around 3 applications designed by the end-user
partners of the project: 1) a humanoid robot performing advanced
locomotion and industrial tooling tasks for aircraft assembly; 2) an
advanced exoskeleton paired with a paraplegic patient demonstrating
dynamic walking on flat floor, slopes and stairs in a rehabilitation
center; and 3) a quadruped robot performing inspection tasks in a
construction site.

In MEMMO, Idiap is responsible of the research aspects related to the
representation and encoding of movements. The objective is to compress
motion data for fast recognition and adaptive motion synthesis. This
will be achieved by extracting invariant structures in a probabilistic
form that can be used to generalize movements to new situations (new
environments, new contexts, new initial conditions). Models will be
developed to facilitate integration between learning and control, with
trajectory distributions (incl. the underlying cost functions) that are
adapted to the current situation and can be used to quickly generate
trajectory samples for further optimization.

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About Idiap:

Idiap is an independent, not-for-profit, research institute recognized
and funded by the Swiss Federal Government, the State of Valais, and the
City of Martigny. Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions at
all levels in a young, high-quality, dynamic, and multicultural
environment. Idiap is an equal opportunity employer and is actively
involved in the "Advancement of Women in Science" European initiative.
The Institute seeks to maintain a principle of open competition (on the
basis of merit) to appoint the best candidate, provides equal
opportunity for all candidates, and equally encourage both genders to apply.

Idiap is located in the town of Martigny in Valais, a scenic region in
the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe,
and offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational
activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied
cultural activities. It is within close proximity to Lausanne and
Geneva. Although Idiap is located in the French part of Switzerland,
English is the official working language. Free French lessons are also
provided on a complimentary basis.